The UK Government has since said it would review its contracts with the firm after the decision was announced.

It has been reported that the firm intends to replace the staff with cheaper agency workers.

Almost a quarter of P&O Ferries’ staff were told via a video message yesterday that it was their “final day of employment”. P&O Ferries said it was a “tough” decision but it would “not be a viable business” without the changes.

Protests are now planned across the ports of Dover, Liverpool, Hull and Larne in reaction to the news, BBC News reports.